Pen Pal Experiment: Two Women Swap the Data of Their Daily Lives

In today’s modern digital age, human beings have more ways to connect with one another than ever before. When information designers Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec agreed to correspond with each other from across the ocean, they chose an unusual method by which to communicate—the language of data and data visualization. Their project, Dear Data, blends together the traditional pen pal relationship with the modern practice of data collection. Using hand-drawn infographic postcards to communicate, the two women examined how data can reveal aspects about themselves and the world around them.

This animation by Alice Dunseath and Rosanna Wan was part of the "Big Bang Data" exhibition at Somerset House, where artists, designers, and innovators explored how data is transforming our world.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email sfs@natgeo.com to submit a video for consideration. See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com

Pen Pal Experiment: Two Women Swap the Data of Their Daily Lives

In today’s modern digital age, human beings have more ways to connect with one another than ever before. When information designers Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec agreed to correspond with each other from across the ocean, they chose an unusual method by which to communicate—the language of data and data visualization. Their project, Dear Data, blends together the traditional pen pal relationship with the modern practice of data collection. Using hand-drawn infographic postcards to communicate, the two women examined how data can reveal aspects about themselves and the world around them.

This animation by Alice Dunseath and Rosanna Wan was part of the "Big Bang Data" exhibition at Somerset House, where artists, designers, and innovators explored how data is transforming our world.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Know of a great short film that should be part of our Showcase? Email sfs@natgeo.com to submit a video for consideration. See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com